THE MILLER CENTRE THEATRE COMPANY

Nine productions are staged each season, each running for nine performances. Rehearsals normally run for six weeks (three weeks in the Studio and three weeks in the theatre) and are usually held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 8pm with one or two Sunday afternoons. Auditions are open to non-members although membership is required for participation in a production.

Anyone not wishing to tread the boards will find ample opportunity for involvement in a live theatre environment as all aspects of the productions are undertaken by members whether it be stage management, lighting, sound, wardrobe, set design and construction or scenery painting. Lack of experience is no barrier - our aim is for enjoyment coupled with a sense of achievement and the satisfaction of earning a good reputation with our audience.

A regular newsletter, 'On Stage', keeps members informed and new members are always welcome.

A more detailed history of the Theatre Company can be found here.

The Miller Centre Theatre Company is a registered charity (No 1044236) and is managed by a board of trustees, elected annually.

THE MILLER CLUB

During the day, The Miller Centre Club is a friendly meeting place for members who have volunteered to help with the Centre and who can enjoy a wide range of interests and activities.

Activities, available to Club members only, include two Book Clubs, Bridge, Mahjong, Miller Moviemakers, Poetry, Painting (oil and mixed media), Scrabble, Table Tennis, Pilates, Tai Chi and Yoga. The Miller Centre Outings Club arranges excursions to places of interest. 

Members are also invited to assist in the running of the theatre by helping at the Box Office during the week and providing the front-of-house personnel during the productions.

Some members prefer to assist the Wardrobe in theatrical costume making and hire or help with set construction and scenery painting.

Coffee Mornings are held every Friday at 11:00am when anyone interested in more information can meet Miller Centre Club members.

For more information and a Welcome Pack please contact the Box Office by telephone (Tel: 01883 349850) or visit Monday-Saturday between 10am and 1pm.

The Miller Centre Club Committee, elected annually by the members, manages the Club.

THE MILLER CENTRE

The Miller Centre was opened in October 1977. Its aim is to provide a friendly atmosphere and a workplace where people can enjoy the companionship of others and find a sense of purpose by helping to run a community theatre.

Originally a church and then a school, the premises were converted to a day centre and theatre by The Miller Centre Trust (formerly The Park Hill Trust) – a registered charity (no. 1185583), the objective of which is to improve the quality of life for older people. The Trust owns the buildings and is responsible for their maintenance and upkeep, employing a full time Caretaker. As a practical expression of its aim to encourage older people to play a positive role in the community, the Trust licenses use of the buildings to the Theatre Company and the Club. The current Chair of the Trust is Peter Shore. 

Following a substantial refurbishment in 2018 to provide more comfort and legroom for patrons, the theatre has 186 seats (96 raked) and can be adapted for both proscenium arch and in the round productions. It is also used as a cinema once a month to show modern blockbusters and classic films.

The stage has a variable speed revolve and the theatre contains excellent technical equipment to enhance productions.

Other facilities include meeting rooms, a studio, a well-equipped workshop and a wardrobe department.

The centre was named after Dorothy Miller, founder of the Caterham Players in 1945.